forceps

an instrument, as pincers or tongs, for seizing and holding objects, as in surgical operations.

2.

Anatomy, Zoology. a part or feature resembling a forceps, especially a pair of appendages at the posterior of certain insects.

Origin of forceps

1625-1635

1625-35; < Latin: pair of tongs, pincers, said to be a contraction of *formiceps, equivalent to form(us) warm + -i--i- + -ceps -taker, derivative of capere to take (cf. prince), i.e., that which takes hot things; compare, however, forpex, forfex tongs, shears, from which forceps may have been formed by folk etymology